Not so thrilled - 'The Girl Is Mine' was the first single released from the album, a duet with Paul McCartney. Despite the song's success, it received generally mixed reviews from critics who consider it to be the weakest song on the album.

Out of this world - In 1982, Jackson narrated the audiobook and soundtrack 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.' In 2001, a special edition reissue of 'Thriller' was released, which includes the song 'Someone in the Dark' from the storybook album.

Victory Tour - The Victory Tour in 1984 saw Michael Jackson and the Jackson family together on stage. Many consider it to be Jackson's 'Thriller' tour, with most of the songs on the set list drawn from the 'Off the Wall' and 'Thriller' albums.

A fang-tastic achievement - An upper mold used to fit Jackson with animal fangs for the 'Thriller' music video. Makeup and design effects were created by Rich Baker, and Jackson went through lengthy makeup sessions to transform himself into a frightening beast for the video.

A curtain comes down - The crew and cast of 'Thriller Live,' a musical featuring the songs of Michael Jackson, hold a press conference at London's Lyric Theatre on June 26, 2009, the day after the singer's death.

Remembering the dead - A women dressed as a zombie poses during the Thrill The World 2009 event at Sydney's Luna Park, Australia. The global occasion saw fans from all over the world dancing simultaneously to 'Thriller.'

Remembering Michael Jackson on his birthday

On August 29, 1958, the King of Pop was born

The King of Pop ruled over radios, song charts, award shows, and the media for years, having started his career as a young boy in the Jackson Five. But he soon evolved into a mega, multi-talented star, moonwalking his way into everyone’s hearts. The world was hardly ready.

To the dismay of millions, Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, which officials later declared a homicide. His personal physician was charged with involuntary manslaughter, and fans everywhere grieved for the loss of an immense creative force.

To perhaps an even greater dismay, the singer has long been embroiled in unsettling controversies, largely surrounding sexual misconduct with children. The well-known documentary 'Leaving Neverland' divided audiences, completely infuriated MJ’s family and estate, but also revealed an extremely disturbing side to the pop star’s life that shook everyone’s perception of him.

Perhaps the reason why it’s so hard to believe the accusations is because of how deeply he influenced the world of music, dance, and artistry.

Despite whether he should be “canceled” or not, it’s impossible to write his greatest work out of history.

'Thriller,' the world's best-selling album, won a record-breaking eight Grammys, including Album of the Year, and produced seven top 10 singles. But it's that video–Michael Jackson dancing with the living dead–that the album is especially remembered for: a 14-minute hair-raising horror musical that mesmerized audiences with its zombie ensemble and frighteningly brilliant choreography.

Browse this gallery, if you dare, for a ghoulish look back at the facts behind the making of this astonishing album and groundbreaking video.